"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read"
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 - Mark Twain |
I am a reader. I love to read. I love to get so lost in a book I miss the characters when they are gone. Reading makes me joyful. I will read most anything. My hobbies are reading and some other stuff I do when I'm not reading. As long as I can remember, I've loved to read.
People are always asking me what I suggest they read.
Actually...
Half the time they don't ask. I just start telling them things they should read.
Strangers on a plane? Yeah, I'll tell you great books I've read.
Friends? Oh yes.
Facebook? You mention a book, and I'll start listing.
I think everyone should be a reader, and my not so silent mission in life is to make everyone a reader.
Don't worry. I probably don't judge you too severely if you're not a reader. I understand. Actually, I don't understand, but I have learned to deal with the fact that not every adult is a lover of books. I will do my best to make you a reader.
I thought I would use my blog to keep a running list of books I love. That way, if someone asks, or suggests through their unknown mind powers asks, for a great book to read I can give one them the link to my blog :)
VERY IMPORTANT POINT!!! This isn't a list of my favorites; it's a list of books I think any person of any age will read and enjoy. I've also tried to pick books that don't have movies yet so no one has the "I will just see/have seen the movie" excuse.
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Odds are I have probably suggested you read this book if you've ever asked. This is my number one suggestion to anyone. It is a fabulous book. Fabulous. It is written in an extremely unique way, and is an easy easy read. I laughed out loud, cried out loud, and loved this book out loud. Go find it and read it. Today. Or tomorrow. No, really you should read it today.
- Peter and the Starcatchers (series) by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry. These are seriously imaginative and hilarious books. They seem loooong, but they're quick reads. Read them to your kids and you'll laugh too. I read them before I had kids. I was an adult. My whole family read them. My brother got me one for Christmas and told me I had until the end of the day to finish it. Yeah, we
fight overshare books in my family. - The Giver, Gathering Blue, and The Messenger by Lois Lowry I think most people have read The Giver when they were in school. Not many have read all three books in the series. I went a LONG time on a futuristic-society book kick and these three books were extremely high on that list. They are all different with a common theme. They are quick reads. They make you think, but they are not difficult to read or understand. My favorite was Gathering Blue. Go read them. Seriously. Go. They're probably in the library right now. Go on.
- The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls This is probably the only non-fiction book I'll suggest. I don't read much non-fiction, but this book is incredibly powerful and I think anyone who interacts with anyone else should read this book.
- The Host by Stephanie Meyer Does that name sound familiar? Yeah, she wrote Twilight. This book is VERY different from Twilight, so if you are automatically anti-twilight you'll probably enjoy this book. I loved Twilight, but I loved this book differently. It's still sci-fi, but it's so interesting!
- My sister (and friend) reminded me to put The Hunger Games (series) by Suzanne Collins on the list! It's not yet a movie. If you haven't read this, you must live under a rock. It is a very great series. It's dark. I recommend reading this one first before you suggest your kids read it, but I love it!
- AAAAANnnd my husband (who said this was my most boring blog yet) informed me I had no "man" books on the list. MOST of the war/shoot-em-up books I read (and loved) have been made into TV and movies, BUT I do recommend Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. It is a powerful look at the war in Afganistan by a former Navy Seal. Wow.
- I'll know I have so many more to add, and I'll add more as I come across them, but I wanted to get this posted to get some feedback. :)
If you're not a reader, you should try one of these books. They're both reader and non-reader friendly. I won't judge you if you don't like them.
Please know, however, I do judge you if you do not read to your children.
If you are a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, older sister, distant cousin, stranger on a bus, basically anyone who interacts EVER with a child, you should read to that child. Read and read and read and read and read to your children. Please.
Please provide me some feedback. Are there books you think should be on this list? Books you recommend to people if they ask for books? I read almost everything I'm suggested. I'm always looking for suggestions. Feel free to comment and let me know!
